Since 1945, U-Haul has been serving do-it-yourself movers and their households. Like many other successful ventures the concept for U-Haul was generated out of need. After World War II, there existed the widespread need for do-it-yourself moving equipment available on a one-way, nationwide basis. The first trailers were bought from welding shops or second hand private owners, and by the end of 1945, 30- 4’ X 7’ open trailers were on service station lots in Portland, Vancouver and Seattle. These trailers were painted bright orange and the name ”U-Haul“ was established, giving them visibility and an identity.  By the end of 1945, it was possible to rent a trailer one way from city to city throughout most of the United States and Canada, and the rest as they say is history. Today, U-Haul, with a network of nearly 16,000 locations in all 50 states and 10 Canadian provinces, is the first choice of do-it-yourself movers. U-Haul has become a household word and is the first choice among renters. The business plan for U-Haul has always been “what works best” and “what will make us the finest and the safest for our customers.”

In 1995, HDG was introduced to U-Haul management who took great pride in the orange and black tradition that had made U-Haul famous. One of the first products to be galvanized was the auto tow-dolly. U-Haul engineers and the galvanizer worked hand in hand to create a design adaptable for the kettle. Venting and drainage, masking for axles and moving parts all had to be considered for the process. The famous U-Haul logo and warning information became decals. When the learning curve was complete, the dollies were a great success and it was time to move on to more U-Haul products. Auto Transport Trailers were next because they were subject to the harshest conditions such as road salts, abrasion from road materials, such as sand and gravel, and misuse from zealous end users. U-Haul acknowledges they cannot monitor the use of the product, but by using HDG, they know it is protected from corrosion. U-Haul officials replied,“History has proven that.” Since the HDG coating is harder than the steel itself, it became the perfect application. U-Haul is now dedicated to the use of HDG for any steel product that could be adapted to it. Open top trailers, truck bumpers and frames and the latest product, individual storage containers with HDG frames. U-Haul designers report, ”the galvanizer pushed us to design for quality galvanizing and we pushed back, together we reached the quality product we knew would be sustainable.” Since HDG Steel is one of the most recycled products in the world, U-Haul trailers and trucks are giving back to support the push for a “greener environment.”

HDG influenced U-Haul business strategy. Competitors build for the short term, depreciate and sell. U-Haul products are made for the household mover and they intend to keep them as long as they can. Without a doubt, HDG has helped U-Haul meet the need for low maintenance. One U-Haul official estimated, “HDG has saved us 10’s of millions of dollars in direct and indirect cost.” Downtime is a huge indirect cost for U-Haul; when a unit comes in for maintenance it gets new plastic (lights), new decals, inspection for bearings, and out it goes.

The case study for U-Haul products was performed in accordance with ASTM 896 using an auto transport trailer galvanized in 1996. The annual mileage for a typical U-Haul truck, trailer or tow dolly would travel around the earth 194 times per day, every day of the year. The unit studied has traveled to 31 states and has been subjected to rain, sleet snow, heat, road abrasiveness and normal use or misuse of the do-it-yourself mover. The test results indicated 3.5 mils of zinc remain on the trailer, and according to the Service Life Chart, the coating will have a service life of over 50 years.

"The goal of U-Haul has always been to provide the finest and safest products for the do-it-yourself mover. HDG has influenced our entire business strategy. Rather than buy, depreciate and sell, U-Haul keeps the product on the road to provide the most economical service for our customers. Without a doubt, HDG has helped us meet this goal and provide a competitive edge over our competition. We would have to build 3 painted trailers to even get close to the life of one HDG product. By working with our galvanizer we can push the limit for new products, we say go for it and the galvanizer makes it happen."

Coating Thickness